A Seedling

For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations. Isaiah 61:11

In accordance with our goal to buy local food, we are experimenting with a vegetable garden at home this year.  Since we don't have a lot of extra money to put into a garden, we are starting many of our plants from seed, which is significantly cheaper.  This takes more advanced planning, since seedlings have to be grown indoors until the final risk of frost has ended. 

We should preface this post with the disclaimer that we absolutely do not know the first thing about gardening, much less organic gardening.  But with a little help from our local library, we are learning as we go.  We found that one advantage to choosing your own seed is that you can choose a variety that works best for your region, soil type, and garden ecosystem.  You can also choose to avoid seeds that are genetically modified and experiment with some ancient varieties of plants, including heirloom vegetables that have been preserved and passed down over generations. 

About a week ago we planted our first tomato seeds, a french variety known as Carmello, which promises to grow large fruit with skin resistant to cracking.  How anxious a person must be waiting for seeds to sprout up from the soil, in particular when their very livelihood and survival depends on their success.  But yesterday we saw our first sprouts - a sweet little victory in our amateur gardening adventure!

Planting a seed takes trust.  Nothing we do will directly coax a seedling up from the ground.  We provide sunlight and water, and we hope to see the seedling suddenly spring up.  How often God surrounds us like soil, waiting patiently to see that we will trust him.  But if we are fervently devoted to his instructions, to prayer, to meditation on his word, we find that God will not leave us in the ground dormant and unfruitful.  He will spring up through us a full, righteous life and we will be vessels of his praise and glory.